Blank and Method for Producing an External Packaging

ABSTRACT

A blank for producing an external packaging includes: at least four areas, each of which has a rear wall, a bottom surface and at least one inner lateral surface. Each rear wall has four sides. Each rear wall is on one of its sides connected to the bottom surface assigned thereto along a folding line. Each rear wall is on one of its sides connected to a rear wall of an adjacent area along a folding line arranged on a centre axis. Each rear wall is on at least one of its sides connected to the inner lateral surface assigned thereto along a folding line. The at least one inner lateral surface of an area is connected to an inner lateral surface of an adjacent area along a folding line.

The invention pertains to a blank for producing an external packagingwhich comprises: at least four areas, each of which comprising a rearwall, a bottom surface that is assigned to the rear wall and at leastone inner lateral surface that is assigned to the rear wall, whereineach rear wall has four sides, wherein each rear wall is on one of itssides connected to the bottom surface assigned thereto along a foldingline, wherein each rear wall is on one of its sides connected to a rearwall of an adjacent area along a folding line arranged on a centre axis,wherein each rear wall is on at least one of its sides connected to theinner lateral surface assigned thereto along a folding line, and whereinthe at least one inner lateral surface of an area is connected to aninner lateral surface of an adjacent area along a folding line.

The invention furthermore pertains to a method for producing an externalpackaging of such a blank, as well as to a packaging system thatcomprises such an external packaging.

Various external packagings are known from the field of packagingtechnology. The term external packagings refers to packagings, theintended content of which consists of other packages. Packages aretherefore also referred to as primary packagings and external packagingsare also referred to as secondary packagings. An inventive externalpackaging is particularly suitable as a secondary packaging for beveragecartons of composite material. External packagings have the purpose, forexample, of combining several packages into units in order to simplifytheir stacking on pallets or the like. Another function of externalpackagings consists of protecting the packages contained therein andtheir content from environmental influences such as impacts, loads ordirt. In addition, external packagings also simplify the transport ofgoods that are typically not purchased individually.

Many external packagings are produced of blanks. Blanks are flatmaterial strips that are cut or punched into a certain shape. Thedefined shape of the blanks makes it possible to produce an externalpackaging of the blanks by means of different folding operations. Theshape of the blank therefore defines the shape of the external packagingproduced of the blank.

A widely used external packaging known from the prior art is illustratedin FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b . These figures show an external packagingaccording to FEFCO-ESBO Code 0460 (FEFCO=European Federation ofCorrugated Board Manufacturers; ESBO=European Solid Board Organization).This external packaging is primarily characterized by a low materialrequirement, as well as a simple producibility. However, onedisadvantage can be seen in the relatively low carrying capacity ofthese external packagings such that almost the entire load of severalstacked external packagings needs to be carried by the packages standingtherein.

Another external packaging for containers is known, for example, from JP2007-008491 A. This external packaging is produced of two blanks,wherein a first blank is folded into a lower part and a second blank isfolded into an inner part. The inner part is subsequently inserted intothe lower part. The thusly produced external packaging can accommodatesix containers that stand on the lower part and are laterally held inposition by the inner part. The upper side of the inner part and theunderside of the lower part are flat such that several externalpackagings can be stacked on top of one another, e.g., on a pallet.

The external packaging known from JP 2007-008491 A has severaldisadvantages. First of all, the production of the external packaging isrelatively elaborate because it consists of several blanks that need tobe assembled. Another disadvantage can be seen in the risk of severalstacked external packagings laterally shifting relative to one anotherdue to their flat upper side and underside such that the stacks couldfall over. In addition, the transport of the external packagings isrelatively complicated. The reason for this complicated transport can beseen in that the inner part is only loosely inserted into the lower partsuch that the external packaging can only be lifted on the lower part.Consequently, no carrying handle or the like is provided on the innerpart. The external packagings shown furthermore have the disadvantagethat the lower region of the containers standing therein is covered by aperipheral front wall. This makes it difficult for customers to readproduct information on the containers without removing the containersfrom the external packaging. External packagings of this type thereforeare indeed suitable for the transport of the containers, but hardly fortheir presentation.

Another external packaging is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,119,202. Thisexternal packaging is designed for accommodating two cans and can beproduced more easily because it can be folded of only one blank. Theone-piece design of the blank also has the advantage that the bottomsurfaces of the external packaging are solidly connected to its lateralsurfaces and rear surfaces such that the external packaging can belifted and transported by means of a handle opening provided in the rearsurfaces. Several external packagings can be combined into units bymeans of a plastic film.

However, the external packaging disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,119,202also has a flat upper side and a flat underside. This has theabove-described disadvantage that stacked external packagings can shiftlaterally. The lack of lateral stability therefore may cause the stacksto fall over. Another disadvantage can be seen in that the externalpackaging can only accommodate two cans. In addition, these externalpackagings also feature peripheral front walls that cover the lowerregions of the cans standing therein. Consequently, these externalpackagings also are primarily intended for transport purposes and hardlysuitable for the presentation of the cans. It is furthermoredisadvantageous that a mechanized production of these externalpackagings is relatively difficult due to the complicated foldings ofthe bottom area.

The invention therefore is based on the objective of designing andenhancing a blank of the initially cited and above-described type insuch a way that the external packagings folded of the blank can besafely stacked on top of one another and are also suitable for thepresentation of the packages contained in the external packaging.

In a blank according to the preamble of claim 1, this objective isattained in that the inner lateral surfaces are spaced apart from thecentre axis such that an offset is created between the inner lateralsurfaces and the centre axis.

Inventive blanks can be conceptually divided into several areas. Each ofthese areas comprises a rear wall, a bottom surface and at least oneinner lateral surface. Inner lateral surfaces are lateral surfaces thatare connected to other inner lateral surfaces and therefore arranged“inside” after the folding operation. Outer lateral surfaces, incontrast, are not connected to any other lateral surfaces and thereforearranged on the edge of the external packaging, i.e. “outside,” afterthe folding operation. The different areas of the blank are separatedfrom one another by folding lines. The folding lines are intended tosimplify folding of the blank; they may be realized, for example, in theform of a material reduction of the blank, particularly a perforation ora stamping or grooving. An inventive blank makes it possible to produceexternal packagings with a particularly high carrying capacity becauseseveral vertically extending walls are after the folding operationrealized in the form of double walls: for one thing, the rear walls ofone side of the blank are placed against the rear walls of the otherside of the blank after the folding operation along the centre axis. Foranother thing, the inner lateral surfaces of each area are placedagainst the inner lateral surfaces of the adjacent area after the blankhas been folded. In this way, the rear walls, as well as the innerlateral surfaces, are realized with double the wall thickness. Thecarrying capacity of the external packagings produced of the blank isincreased in the vertical direction, in particular, due to thedouble-wall design of the inner lateral surfaces such that, for example,the stackability of the external packagings is improved. Externalpackagings produced of inventive blanks can have a carrying capacitythat is at least 30% higher, particularly at least 40% higher, than thatof standard external packagings—primarily due to the double-wall design.

According to the invention, an offset is created between the innerlateral surfaces and the centre axis. Since the upper edges of the rearwalls are arranged on the centre axis, an offset is also created betweenthe inner lateral surfaces and the upper edges of the rear walls. Inother words, the inner lateral surfaces are arranged in such a way thatthe upper edges of the inner lateral surfaces and the centre axis arespaced apart from one another. This can be achieved, for example, byrealizing the inner lateral surfaces shorter than the rear walls.

Due to the spacing between the inner lateral surfaces and the centreaxis—i.e., the “offset”—the upper edges of the rear walls that extendalong the centre axis vertically protrude over the upper edges of theinner lateral surfaces after the folding operation. In this way, apositive connection can be produced between several external packagingsstacked on top of one another. To this end, the upper edges of thelateral surfaces of a first—lower—external packaging form a plane, ontowhich the bottom surfaces of a second—upper—external packaging can beplaced. However, since the upper edges of the rear walls protrude overthis plane, the upper edges of the rear walls of the lower externalpackaging are pushed between the mutually assigned rear walls of theupper external packaging during the stacking operation. In this way, apositive connection similar to a plug-type connection is producedbetween two external packagings stacked on top of one another. This hasthe advantage that the external packagings can be safely stacked andsecured, in particular, against shifting laterally.

An inventive blank has a particularly high carrying capacity in thevertical direction in the folded state—i.e. in the form of an externalpackaging. The high carrying capacity was verified, for example, withthe tests described below.

In the context of this invention, the carrying capacity is determined inaccordance with standard DIN EN ISO 12048 (“Packaging—Complete, filledtransport packages—Compression and stacking tests using a compressiontester;” December 2000/April 2001 Edition). In order to determine thecarrying capacity, the external packagings are placed between twopressing plates and an increasing load is applied until failure occurs(“Compression test” according to Items 3a and 7.1 of the aforementionedstandard). The external packagings are—in this respect at variance withthe standard—tested without content. In addition, the surface of theupper pressing plate is adapted to the offset of the inventive blanksuch that the force is introduced, in particular, into the upper edgesof the inner lateral surfaces of the external packaging analogous to astacked arrangement.

Inventive external packagings with different dimensions were tested inthree series of tests and compared with corresponding standard externalpackagings that were tested in the same way (FEFCO-ESBO Code 0460). Thetested external packagings are intended for accommodating beveragecartons of composite material. However, the external packagings are notfilled with these beverage cartons—referred to as “packages” in Table 1below—during the measurements. In accordance with Item 7 of the citedstandard, measurements were carried out on at least five identicalinventive external packagings, as well as on at least five standardexternal packagings. Average values of the measuring results weresubsequently calculated.

The properties of the tested external packagings and the results of themeasurements are illustrated in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Carrying capacity Carrying of standard capacity of externalpackaging inventive Increase External Volumetric (FEFCO-ESBO external incarrying packaging capacity Material Code 0460) packaging capacity I 2 ×3 packages Corrugated board  766N 1023N +34% 1000 ml each withcorrugation type E II 2 × 3 packages Corrugated board 1343N 1961N +46%1000 ml each with corrugation type B III 2 × 6 packages Corrugated board1518N 2021N +33% 1000 ml each with corrugation type B

The results show that the blank has in the folded state a carryingcapacity in the vertical direction of at least 1000 N, particularly atleast 1500 N or at least 2000 N. In addition, an external packagingproduced of an inventive blank has a carrying capacity that is at least30% higher, particularly at least 40% higher, than that of a standardexternal packaging (FEFCO-ESBO Code 0460). The high vertical carryingcapacity is achieved, in particular, due to the double-wall design ofthe supporting walls or surfaces—primarily the inner lateralsurfaces—and improves the stackability of the external packagings.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that thelength of the offset amounts to at least 10 mm and particularly lies inthe range between 10 mm and 40 mm. The length of the offset correspondsto the depth of the positive connection. At an offset of 30 mm, theupper edges of the rear walls of a lower external packaging thereforecan be pushed between the rear walls of an upper external packaging byup to 30 mm. An offset in the range between 10 mm and 40 mm representsan optimal compromise between a simple stackability (easier with ashorter offset) and a secure positive connection (more reliable with alonger offset).

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed thatthe blank is realized in one piece. The production of the externalpackaging is simplified with a one-part or one-piece blank. In thiscase, the individual surfaces of the blank merely need to be foldedalong folding lines and connected to one another, if applicable. Incontrast to an external packaging that is produced of several blanks ormulti-piece blanks, the elaborate assembly of the different blanks iseliminated. Furthermore, only a single magazine for blanks is requiredduring the production such that the mechanized producibility isimproved. Another advantage of external packagings produced of one-pieceblanks can be seen in the increased stability because there is no riskof assembled blanks once again falling apart as it is the case withexternal packagings produced of several blanks or multi-piece blanks.

According to another characteristic of the invention, it is proposedthat the blank is made of paper or cardboard, particularly of corrugatedboard. Paper, cardboard and corrugated board are inexpensive andsuitable for repeated use (recycling). Corrugated board is produced bygluing together smooth and corrugated webs of paper and has a highstrength despite its low density such that very light yet robustexternal packagings can be produced of corrugated board. The blank maybe manufactured, for example, of corrugated board according to standardDIN 55468, Part 1, August 2004 Edition (particularly with corrugationtype B or corrugation type E). It is particularly advantageous to usecorrugated boards, the corrugated and cover papers of which have agrammage in the range between 100 g/m² and 140 g/m².

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed thatthe blank has a thickness in the range between 1 mm and 3 mm. Blankswith a thickness in this range proved advantageous, particularly whenusing corrugated board, and represent a good compromise between lowcosts and sufficient rigidity. It is particularly advantageous to usecorrugated boards of the corrugation type B (corrugation height 2.2 mmto 3 mm) or E (corrugation height 1 mm to 1.8 mm) according to standardDIN 55468, Part 1, August 2004 Edition.

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed thateach area of the blank comprises two lateral surfaces that are assignedto the rear wall. Since each rear wall is connected to two lateralsurfaces, a lateral surface is also provided on both sides of the rearwall in the outer areas. Areas that border on another area on both sidesafter the folding operation are also referred to as “inner areas” andcomprise two inner lateral surfaces. Areas that border on another areaon only one side after the folding operation are also referred to as“outer areas” and comprise only one inner lateral surface that isassigned to the adjacent area. According to this embodiment of theinvention, it is proposed that the “outer areas” also comprise a secondlateral surface, particularly an outer lateral surface. After thefolding operation, outer side walls are produced of the outer lateralsurfaces. Since lateral surfaces are also provided in the “outer areas,”the packages are securely fixed in the external packaging. The outerlateral surfaces may be realized with different heights. The height ofthe outer lateral surfaces may be lower, equal to or higher than theheight of the inner lateral surfaces. Outer lateral surfaces with asmaller height save material, but still provide sufficient lateralstability for the packages. Outer lateral surfaces with an equal heightcan serve as an additional supporting surface for stacking severalexternal packagings on top of one another—particularly if they arespaced apart from the centre axis by the same distance as the innerlateral surfaces—and therefore further increase the carrying capacity.Outer lateral surfaces with a greater height provide a secure lateralstability for stacking several external packagings on top of oneanother, particularly if the outer lateral surfaces have a smalleroffset from the centre axis than the inner lateral surfaces. Thedifferent variations can be combined with one another, for example, suchthat two outer lateral surfaces have a smaller height than the innerlateral surfaces and two outer lateral surfaces have a greater height.

According to another characteristic of the invention, it is proposedthat the rear walls have a rectangular shape, particularly a squareshape. The bottom surfaces may alternatively or additionally have arectangular shape, particularly a square shape. Due to the rectangularor square shape, the rear walls and the bottom surfaces are defined bystraight edges. Straight edges are particularly suitable for thearrangement of folding lines. With respect to the rear walls, as well aswith respect to the bottom surfaces, it is preferred that all rear wallsand all bottom surfaces have the same size such that the externalpackaging can accommodate several packages of identical size.

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed thateach bottom surface is exclusively connected to one rear wall and/or onelateral surface. Apart from rear walls, lateral surfaces and connectingstraps fixed thereon, the bottom surfaces consequently should not beconnected to any other surfaces or walls. The bottom surfacesparticularly should not be connected to any front surfaces or frontwalls because the view of the packages contained in the externalpackaging and the product information provided thereon would otherwisebe partially blocked. An external packaging without front surfaces andfront walls therefore has the advantage of not only being suitable forthe transport, but also for the presentation of packages.

The presentation of the goods therefore can be realized directly in thestacked external packagings; separate shelves or racks are not required.

According to another characteristic of the invention, it is proposedthat the inner lateral surfaces have a rectangular shape, particularly asquare shape. Due to the rectangular or square shape, the inner lateralsurfaces are defined by straight edges that are particularly suitablefor the arrangement of folding lines. It is preferred that all innerlateral surfaces have the same size such that the external packaging canaccommodate several packages of identical size.

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed thatthe blank comprises in each of the areas two connecting straps that areconnected to the lateral surfaces and/or to the bottom surfaces alongfolding lines. The connecting straps make it possible to connect thelateral surfaces to the bottom surfaces. To this end, the connectingstraps are folded such that they form an overlap with the surfacesassigned thereto. A connecting strap connected to a lateral surfacetherefore forms an overlap with the bottom surface assigned theretoafter the folding operation and a connecting strap connected to a bottomsurface forms an overlap with the lateral surface assigned thereto afterthe folding operation. The area of the overlap can be used, for example,for producing an adhesive connection that increases the stability of theexternal packaging.

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed thateach lateral surface comprises a connecting strap that is connected tothe lateral surface along a folding line. Material can be saved byproviding the connecting straps on the lateral surfaces. In this case,the width of the connecting strap can be adapted to the width of thelateral surface. The outer lateral surfaces and their connecting strapsparticularly may have a smaller width than the inner lateral surfacesand their connecting straps.

According to another characteristic of the invention, it is proposedthat at least two of the interconnected rear walls comprise an opening.The openings are preferably arranged in the upper region of the rearwalls and symmetrically to the centre axis.

This provides the advantage that both openings overlap after the blankhas been folded along the folding line arranged on the centre axis. Inthis way, the two congruent openings form a passage that can be used,for example, as a carrying handle. The openings may furthermore servefor the engagement of machines or tools such that the handling and thealignment of the blanks are simplified.

The above-defined objective is also attained with a method for producingan external packaging of a blank, particularly an above-described blank,wherein said method comprises the following steps: a) folding the blankalong the folding lines between the rear walls and the lateral surfacesassigned to the rear walls, b) folding the blank along the folding linesbetween the inner lateral surfaces of one area and the inner lateralsurfaces of an adjacent area, c) folding the blank along the foldinglines between the rear walls and the bottom surfaces assigned to therear walls, d) connecting the folded bottom surfaces to the foldedlateral surfaces and e) folding the blank along the folding linesbetween the rear wall of one area and the rear wall of an adjacent areathat are arranged on a centre axis. The inventive method for producingan external packaging is particularly inexpensive and can be easilycarried out because steps a), b), c) and e) are mere folding operations.In steps a), b), c) and e), it is preferred to respectively fold theblank by 90° and 180° at the corresponding locations. In addition to thefolding operations, two of the folded surfaces need to be connected toone another in step d). This may be realized, for example, by insertinga projection of one surface into an assigned recess of the othersurfaces such that a plug-type connection is produced. Steps a) to c)may be carried out in any sequence; however, they are preferably carriedout in the above-described sequence. They are followed by steps d) ande) that may likewise be carried out in any sequence, but preferably arealso carried out in the above-described sequence. The folding operationsin steps a), b) and c) are carried out in such a way that the lateralsurfaces and the bottom surfaces are folded in the samedirection—relative to the rear walls.

According to one embodiment of the method, the following step is carriedout before step d): f) folding the blank along the folding lines betweenthe connecting straps and the lateral surfaces and/or between theconnecting straps and the bottom surfaces.

The connecting straps make it possible to produce a particularlyreliable connection between the folded bottom surfaces and the foldedlateral surfaces. In the context of this embodiment of the method, it isfurthermore proposed that the following step is carried out after stepf): g) gluing the connecting straps to the lateral surfaces and/or thebottom surfaces. The connecting straps and the respective lateral orbottom surfaces can be connected to one another in a particularlycost-efficient and stable fashion by means of adhesive connections.

The above-defined objective is ultimately also attained with a packagingsystem that comprises: an external packaging folded from a blank of theabove-described type, at least one package for each area of the blankand means for fixing the packages on/in the external packaging. Onepackage is preferably accommodated by each area of the externalpackaging. An external packaging with six areas therefore preferablycontains six packages. Alternatively, each area of the externalpackaging could accommodate two packages such that an external packagingwith six areas contains twelve packages. Suitable means for fixing thepackages are provided in order to prevent the packages from falling outof the external packaging. The packaging system may alternatively alsocomprise several external packagings that are stacked on top of oneanother. In this case, each of the external packagings features at leastone package for each area of the blank and means for fixing the packageson/in the external packaging.

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is furthermoreproposed that the means for fixing the packages is an adhesive. Themeans for fixing the packages may alternatively or additionally be afixing strap. An adhesive makes it possible to produce a material bondbetween the packages and the external packaging such that the packagesare cost-efficiently and securely fixed on the external packaging. It ispreferred to use an adhesive that does not leave behind any residues orcauses any damages to the packages when they are removed from theexternal packaging. One or more fixing straps make it possible—dependingon the direction—to produce a positive and/or a non-positive connectionbetween the packages and the external packaging. To this end, the fixingstrap encompasses the entire external packaging or—preferably—only onehalf or one side of the external packaging and the packages arrangedtherein. The stackability can be improved if the two fixing strapsrespectively encompass only one half or one side of the externalpackaging and the packages accommodated therein. In this configuration,the mutually assigned rear walls are not pressed against one another bythe fixing strap and therefore can very easily produce theabove-described “plug-type connection” in a stacked arrangement. It ispreferred to use fixing straps of transparent plastic because they areinexpensive and do not block the view of the front sides of thepackages.

The invention is described in greater detail below with reference to thedrawings that merely show a preferred exemplary embodiment. In thesedrawings:

FIG. 1 shows an inventive blank for producing an external packaging inthe flat state,

FIG. 2 shows the blank according to FIG. 1 in a partially folded state,

FIG. 3 shows the blank according to FIG. 1 in a completely folded state,

FIG. 4 shows the blank according to FIG. 2 with packages and two fixingstraps,

FIG. 5 shows the blank according to FIG. 3 with packages and two fixingstraps,

FIG. 6 shows several stacked blanks in the completely folded state, i.e.in the form of external packagings,

FIG. 7a shows a blank for producing an external packaging according tothe prior art in the flat state, and

FIG. 7b shows an external packaging produced of the blank according toFIG. 7 a.

FIG. 1 shows an inventive blank 1 for producing an external packaging inthe flat state. The state illustrated in FIG. 1 corresponds to theinitial state of the blank 1 before it is folded. The exemplary blank 1shown in FIG. 1 comprises six areas that are identified by the referencesymbols I to VI. Each of these areas I-VI comprises a rectangular rearwall 2, a rectangular bottom surface 3 and two lateral surfaces 4 thatinclude at least one inner lateral surface 4′. The lateral surfaces 4consist of inner lateral surfaces 4′ and outer lateral surfaces 4″. Twoof the outer lateral surfaces 4″ have a smaller height than the innerlateral surfaces 4′; the other two outer lateral surfaces 4″, incontrast, have a greater height than the inner lateral surfaces 4′ andtherefore can serve as lateral guide. The two outer lateral surfaces 4″with a smaller height and the two outer lateral surfaces 4″ with agreater height are respectively arranged diagonally opposite of oneanother. The rear walls 2, the bottom surfaces 3 and the lateralsurfaces 4 are separated from one another by folding lines 5.

Each rear wall 2 has four sides. On one of these sides, each rear wall 2is connected to the bottom surface 3 assigned thereto along a foldingline 5. On the opposite side, each rear wall 2 is connected to a rearwall 2 of the adjacent area: the rear wall 2 of the area I is connectedto the rear wall 2 of the area IV by means of a folding line. The rearwalls 2 of the areas II and V and of the areas III and VI areanalogously connected to one another. In addition, each rear wall 2 ison at least one of its sides connected to a lateral surface 4 by meansof a folding line 5. In the exemplary blank 1 illustrated in FIG. 1,each rear wall 2 features two lateral surfaces 4. However, the outerlateral surfaces 4″ are optional such that the rear walls 2 of the areasI, III, IV and VI could alternatively to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 also feature only one inner lateral surface 4′. It is alsopossible—as illustrated in FIG. 1—that outer lateral surfaces 4″ areindeed provided, but one or more of these outer lateral surfaces 4″has/have a smaller surface area than the inner lateral surfaces 4′.However, it is imperative that the rear walls 2 of the areas II and Vfeature two (inner) lateral surfaces 4′ in order to produce a connectionwith both adjacent areas. The rear wall 2 of the area II produces aconnection with the rear walls 2 of the areas I and III by means ofinner lateral surfaces 4′. The rear wall 2 of the area V analogouslyproduces a connection with the rear walls 2 of the areas IV and VI bymeans of inner lateral surfaces 4′. Consequently, at least one lateralsurface 4 of each area is connected to a lateral surface 4 of anadjacent area by means of a folding line 5. The areas II and V are alsoreferred to as “inner areas” whereas the areas I, III, IV and VI arealso referred to as “outer areas.”

In the exemplary blank 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, the two long sides ofthe rear walls 2 are longer than any of the sides of the inner lateralsurfaces 4′. Consequently, an offset 6 is created between the rear walls2 and the inner lateral surfaces 4′. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,the offset 6 is created on a centre axis 7 that divides the blank 1 intotwo sides and separates the areas I, II, III from the areas IV, V, VI.The offset 6 causes the rear walls 2 to protrude over the inner lateralsurfaces 4′ when the blank is folded about the centre axis 7.Consequently, several blanks 1 can be positively stacked on top of oneanother in the folded state as described in greater detail below withreference to FIG. 3.

The exemplary blank 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 furthermore featuresconnecting straps 8. The connecting straps 8 are connected to thelateral surfaces 4 by means of folding lines 5 and serve for connectingthe lateral surfaces 4 to the bottom surfaces 3 after the blank 1 hasbeen folded, e.g. by means of adhesive connections. In contrast to theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the connecting straps 8 could also beconnected to the bottom surfaces 3 by means of folding lines in order tocorrespondingly produce a connection with the lateral surfaces 4. Theexemplary blank 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 furthermore features openings 9.The openings may consist of handle openings for carrying the externalpackaging produced of the blank 1. The openings 9 are provided in therear walls 2, particularly cut or punched out of the rear walls 2.

FIG. 2 shows the blank 1 according to FIG. 1 in a partially foldedstate. The bottom surfaces 3, the lateral surfaces 4′, 4″ and theconnecting straps 8 were respectively folded by approximately 90° alongthe folding lines 5. In addition, the connecting straps 8 were glued tothe bottom surfaces 3. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, however,the blank 1 was not yet folded along the centre axis 7 such that therear walls 2 of all six areas I to VI are still arranged in one plane.FIG. 2 already indicates that a chamber for accommodating one or twopackages is created in each of the six areas I to VI by folding theblank 1 accordingly.

FIG. 3 shows the blank 1 according to FIG. 1 in the completely foldedstate. The essential difference in comparison with the configurationillustrated in FIG. 2 can be seen in that the blank 1 has been folded byapproximately 180° along the centre line 7 in FIG. 3. Consequently, therear walls 2 of the areas I, II and III contact the rear walls 2 of theareas IV, V and VI and are arranged, in particular, congruentlytherewith. In addition, the openings 9 are arranged in the rear walls 2symmetrically to the centre axis 7 such that it is possible to reachthrough two openings 9 that are respectively arranged congruently behindone another after the folding operation.

FIG. 4 shows the blank 1 according to FIG. 2 with packages 10 and twofixing straps 11. The packages 10 consist, for example, of beveragecartons of composite material with a spout. One package 10 is arrangedin each of the six areas I to VI of the blank 1. The packages 10 arerespectively bordered and held in position by a rear wall 2, a bottomsurface 3 and two lateral surfaces 4. In order to fix the packages 10,two transparent fixing straps 11 are wrapped or stretched around theblank 1 and the packages 10. In the exemplary blank 1 illustrated inFIG. 4, one fixing strap 11 is wrapped around the packages 10 of theareas I, II and III; another fixing strap 11 is wrapped around thepackages 10 of the areas IV, V and VI. The fixing straps 11 are wrappedin such a way that they encompass the packages 10, as well as the blank1.

FIG. 5 shows the blank 1 according to FIG. 3 with packages 10 and twofixing straps 11. The essential difference in comparison with theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 4 can once again be seen in that theblank 1 has been folded by approximately 180° along the centre line 7 inFIG. 5. Consequently, the rear walls 2 of the areas I, II and IIIcontact the rear walls 2 of the areas IV, V and VI and are arranged, inparticular, congruently therewith. In addition, the openings 9 arearranged in the rear walls 2 symmetrically to the centre axis 7 suchthat it is possible to reach through 2 openings 9 that are respectivelyarranged congruently behind one another after the folding operation.

FIG. 6 shows several stacked blanks 1 in the completely folded state,i.e. in the form of external packagings. The stack comprises five blanks1, the top four blanks 1 of which are filled with packages 10. Thepackages 10 are held in the blanks 1 with transparent fixing straps 11.The combination of external packaging, packages and fixing means is alsoreferred to as a packaging system. The bottom blank 1, in contrast, isnot filled with packages such that the rear walls 2, the bottom surfaces3 and the lateral surfaces 4′, 4″ of the blank 1 are visible. Theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 6 elucidates the high carryingcapacity of the blanks 1: even in the empty state, the bottom blank 1can carry the mass of four blanks 1 that are completely filled withpackages 10. The stability of such a stack is therefore also ensured ifthe packages 10 are initially removed from the bottom externalpackagings.

FIG. 7a shows a blank 12 for producing an external packaging accordingto the prior art in the flat state. The blank 12 comprises a centrallyarranged bottom surface 13. The bottom surface 13 is connected to fourlateral surfaces 14 that consist of two high lateral surfaces 14′ andtwo low lateral surfaces 14″. The high lateral surfaces 14″ arerespectively connected to two connecting straps 15. The bottom surface13, the lateral surfaces 14 and the connecting straps 15 are separatedfrom one another by folding lines 16.

FIG. 7b shows an external packaging 12′ produced of the blank 12according to FIG. 7 a. To this end, the four lateral surfaces 14 wereinitially folded upward by 90° along the folding lines 16. Subsequently,the connecting straps 15 were also folded by 90° along the folding lines16 such that the connecting straps 15 form overlaps 17 with the lowlateral surfaces 14″. In the region of the overlaps 17, the low lateralsurfaces 14″ are connected to the connecting straps 15, particularly bymeans of adhesive connections. As an alternative to this sequence, itwould also be possible to initially fold only the two high lateralsurfaces 14′, then the connecting straps 15 and ultimately the two lowlateral surfaces 14″ such that the low lateral surfaces 14″ lie outsidein the region of the overlap 17.

The blank 12 illustrated in FIG. 7a and the external packaging 12′illustrated in FIG. 7b are produced in accordance with FEFCO-ESBO Code0460 (FEFCO=European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers;ESBO=European Solid Board Organization).

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1: Blank

2: Rear wall

3: Bottom surface

4: Lateral surface

4′: Inner lateral surface

4″: Outer lateral surface

5: Folding line

6: Offset

7: Centre axis

8: Connecting strap

9: Opening

10: Package

11: Fixing strap

12: Blank

12′: External packaging

13: Bottom surface

14: Lateral surface

14′: High lateral surface

14″: Low lateral surface

15: Connecting strap

16: Folding line

17: Overlap

1. A blank for producing an external packaging, comprising: at leastfour areas, each of which a rear wall, a bottom surface assigned to therear wall and at least one inner lateral surface assigned to the rearwall, wherein each rear wall has four sides, wherein each rear wall ison one of its sides connected to the bottom surface assigned theretoalong a folding line, wherein each rear wall is on one of its sidesconnected to a rear wall of an adjacent area along a folding linearranged on a centre axis of the blank, wherein each rear wall is on atleast one of its sides connected to the inner lateral surface assignedthereto along a folding line, wherein the at least one inner lateralsurface of an area is connected to an inner lateral surface of anadjacent area along a folding line, and wherein the inner lateralsurfaces are spaced apart from the centre axis such that an offset iscreated between the inner lateral surfaces and the centre axis, whereinthe inner lateral surfaces have a rectangular shape.
 2. The blankaccording to claim 1, wherein the length of the offset amounts to atleast 10 mm.
 3. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the blank isrealized in one piece.
 4. The blank according to claim 1, wherein theblank is made of paper or cardboard.
 5. The blank according to claim 1,wherein the blank has a thickness in the range between 1 mm and 3 mm. 6.The blank according to claim 1, wherein each area of the blank comprisestwo lateral surfaces that are assigned to the rear wall.
 7. The blankaccording to claim 1, wherein the rear walls have a rectangular shape.8. The blank according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surfaces have arectangular shape.
 9. The blank according to claim 1, wherein eachbottom surface is exclusively connected to one rear wall and/or onelateral surface.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The blank according to claim 1,wherein the blank comprises in each of the areas two connecting strapsthat are connected to the lateral surfaces and/or to the bottom surfacesalong folding lines.
 12. The blank according to claim 1, wherein eachlateral surface comprises a connecting strap that is connected to thelateral surface along a folding line.
 13. The blank according to claim1, wherein at least two of the interconnected rear walls comprise anopening.
 14. A method for producing an external packaging of a blankaccording to claim 1, wherein said method comprises the following steps:a) folding the blank along the folding lines between the rear walls andthe lateral surfaces assigned to the rear walls, b) folding the blankalong the folding lines between the inner lateral surfaces of one areaand the inner lateral surfaces of an adjacent area, c) folding the blankalong the folding lines between the rear walls and the bottom surfacesassigned to the rear walls, d) connecting the folded bottom surfaces tothe folded lateral surfaces, and e) folding the blank along the foldinglines between the rear wall of one area and the rear wall of an adjacentarea that are arranged on a centre axis.
 15. The method according toclaim 14, wherein the following step is carried out before step d): f)folding the blank along the folding lines between the connecting strapsand the lateral surfaces and/or between the connecting straps and thebottom surfaces.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein thefollowing step is carried out after step f): g) gluing the connectingstraps to the lateral surfaces and/or the bottom surfaces.
 17. Apackaging system, comprising: an external packaging folded from a blankaccording to claim 1, at least one package for each area of the blankand means for fixing the packages on/in the external packaging.
 18. Thepackaging system according to claim 17, wherein the means for fixing thepackages is an adhesive.
 19. The packaging system according to claim 17,wherein the means for fixing the packages is a fixing strap.
 20. Theblank according to claim 4, wherein the blank is made of corrugatedboard.
 21. The blank according to claim 2, wherein the length of theoffset lies in the range between 10 mm and 40 mm.